Basic Electronics

There are mainly two types of Photodiode i.e. PIN Photodiode and Avalanche Photodiode. PIN Photodiode Definition: PIN Photodiode is a photodetector in which the depletion layer thickness can be modified for generation of large photocurrent. If the thickness of depletion layer is more then the surface area on which light is falling also increases. Due to this, the conversion efficiency of a photodiode increases and more photocurrent will generate. Construction of PIN Photodiode The P-type … [Read more...] about Types of Photodiode

Definition: Photodiode is a two terminal electronic device which, when exposed to light the current starts flowing in the diode. It is operated in reverse biased mode only. It converts light energy into electrical energy. When the ordinary diode is reverse biased the reverse current starts increasing with reverse voltage the same can be applied to the photodiode. But in the case of photodiode the current can flow without application of reverse voltage, the P-N junction of the photodiode is … [Read more...] about Photodiode

Definition: Shockley diode is a four layer (P-N-P-N) device. It conducts when it is forward biased and stops conducting when it is reverse biased. The major difference between conventional diode and Shockley diode is, it starts conducting when the forward voltage exceeds break-over voltage.  It was invented by William Bradford Shockley, and that’s why it is named after its inventor. Shockley Diode is not widely available commercially. Still, it forms the backbone of devices like Diac, Triac, … [Read more...] about Shockley Diode

LED (Light Emitting Diode) is an optoelectronic device which works on the principle of electro-luminance. Electro-luminance is the property of the material to convert electrical energy into light energy and later it radiates this light energy. In the same way, the semiconductor in LED emits light under the influence of electric field. The symbol of LED is formed by merging the symbol of P-N Junction diode and outward arrows. These outward arrows symbolise the light radiated by the light … [Read more...] about LED

Definition: Varactor diode is the one which works on the principle of variation in capacitance by changing the width of the depletion region of P-N junction. The P-N Junction diode creates capacitor effect. The capacitance is controlled by applied voltage. It works on reverse biased mode. Varacter word is formed from words Variable reactance or variable resistor. Thus, it provides variable resistance or reactance or capacitance thus it is named as a varactor diode. The symbol of the varactor … [Read more...] about Varactor Diode

Definition: PIN diode is formed by sandwiching intrinsic layer (high resistivity about 0.1 Ω-m) between P-type and N-type semiconductor to create an electric field between them. Due to this large magnitude of the electric field, the electron-hole pair generation will augment up to a large extent and this, in turn, can process even a weak input signal. The width of these depletion layers is large due to which capacitance will decrease because capacitance decreases with the separation between … [Read more...] about PIN Diode

Definition: Schottky diode is a metal-semiconductor junction which does not store charge carriers at the junction because it has no depletion layer. It finds its application where fast switching is needed. Significance of Schottky diode: When a P-N junction diode is forward biased, it starts conducting, but when it is reverse biased, it stops conduction. But this transition from conduction to insulation is not instant. Diode takes some time to reach a steady state of no conduction when it is … [Read more...] about Schottky Diode

Definition: Tunnel diode is a heavily doped diode which possesses high conductivity due to the higher concentration of impurity atoms. It is different from a conventional P-N junction in terms of doping density. Its principle of operation is tunneling. The schematic symbol of Tunnel Diode is represented in the below diagram. Construction of Tunnel Diode A tunnel diode is usually constructed with Gallium. The compounds of Gallium such as Gallium Arsenide and Gallium Antimonide are … [Read more...] about Tunnel Diode

Definition: Zener diode is specially designed for operation in the breakdown region in reverse bias condition. It is also called breakdown diode. In order to achieve sharp breakdown voltage, it is properly doped. American Scientist C. Zener explained the phenomenon of the breakdown. In the previous article, we have discussed diodes. Diodes can be classified into different types by its operational mechanism. Thus, they are designed in various ways for specific applications. Different diodes … [Read more...] about Zener Diode

A diode is a two-terminal device formed by placing a layer of P-type semiconductor next to N -type semiconductor. It forms a P-N Junction. The interface which joins both is made up of metal. Thus, it is referred as a metallurgical junction. A diode is a controlling element for electronic devices and circuits. Rectifiers, Amplifiers, linear and digital Integrated circuits, switching circuits, etc. are controlled with the help of diode.  P-N Junction The P-type Semiconductor has mobile … [Read more...] about Diode